The other day I was asked, "What are those pointy things your Santas are painted on?". Well, those "pointy things" are some of nature's most unique creations. They are cypress knees! For those of you not from the south, I'll explain. The "knees" are part of the root system of the cypress tree which grows abundantly in the south's lakes, bayous, and swamps. Their exact function is not known, but it is known that if one is cut another usually pops up. (Note: My supplier lives in an area where the trees are cut for lumber and he harvests the "knees" after the trees have been cut.)The "knees" have been cut, boiled, peeled, and dried before I take over. I then clean, putty, sand and prime them before I begin to transform them into Santas and snowmen. This photo shows one just before I begin the transformation.To do that I turn it ever which way looking for the best side. Then I study its lumps and bumps. What could each become? Perhaps an arm, a toy bag, a teddy bear, etc. Come on give it a shot. What do you see?
I see santa's puff of his hat on the top left, then his elbow, with the bottom lump being his bag.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! Now, Sarah, tell me what's in the bag?
ReplyDeleteI always love your teddy bears. oh, or maybe a raggedy.
ReplyDeleteno, I've got it, that totally looks like rabbit ears coming out of the bag.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah, fresh eyes help. I had actually stetched off something yesterday, but after reading your suggestions and taking a second look at the photo above I see the possibility of a rabbit also. I had a doll and a ball of some kind in mind. I'll have to work on the rabbit idea. The knee looks different in reality.
ReplyDeleteDid you see the little elf helping to hold up the bag of toys? Look for his bottom sticking out and his heels. Oh, yeh! He's wearing a pointy cap, too.
I'll post the after picture some time next week probably.